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Originally Posted by KTLynn
I wonder how the words "animal" and "rights" came to be considered "dirty words" when used together. There are always fringe elements in any philosophically-based social group or institution. Think of politics or religion, for example: there are plenty of radicals and extremists in both. However, we wouldn't abolish, or dismiss either religion or politics because of this fact.
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http://www.sover.net/~lsudlow/ARvsAW.htmRegarding abolition of religion/politics we would(and do) abolish harmful actions committed in the name of either religion or politics. If an AR activist burns down a research facility, even if they believe that they are doing the right thing, we still would not tolerate such actions. If a religious activist strapped explosives to themself and bombed a bus full of people, we would not tolerate such actions. While we wouldn't condem a follower of either group for having such beliefs, we would condem them for acting on them in such a fashion.
Animal Rights vs Animal Welfare is a difference of terms and meanings that have been discussed previously on this board. It would be a hijacking of this thread to attempt going into any significant depth on the seeming subtly, but realistically significant differences between the two terms. To summarize briefly:
Animal Rights: To end all human "exploitation" of animals [exploitation is broadly defined]
Animal Welfare: To prevent suffering and cruelty to animals.
Decent comparison at
Plenty more to be found on Google at: http://www.google.com/search?q=anima...animal+welfare
Sliding back on topic:
The terms Animal and Rights became an unsavory term when people began using them together to negatively influence the ability of animals to thrive in a captive environment. More specifically, when bans became the method of forcing their beliefs on everyone and when the means of getting the bans enacted involved grossly misrepresenting the truth.
The truth being that animals can and do thrive in a captive environment.
Spotz
PS If anyone wishes to discuss AR vs AW more throughly please start another thread in IMO or PM me and I will start one. [per PM...thread started here]
Just 2 1/2 years in prison???? This jerk sets fire to a building , causes damage to property, risks the life of the public and kills innocent animals in the name of animal rights, while responsible caring exotic cat owners are losing their rights to own their cats and can face stiff penalties for owning such animals. This is an example of the radical animal rights group ALF (Animal Liberation Front) These are the same people who also pressure our law makers into passing ban laws. This MUST stop. My rights WILL NOT be taken away by radical terrorist groups in this country. Before you know it people, YOU TOO will LOSE YOUR RIGHT to keep domestic animals.
) This bond can be much stronger than a bond with a domesticated cat. Most exotic cat owners are like me, but as with anything else, there are always those few bad apples out there that make everyone look bad. Of course, the media never helps either. With most exotic cat sanctuaries that are now against private ownership of these animals, they forget where they started out. As a private owner!! As has been pointed out, once a cat enters one of these sanctuaries, most never get another chance at living with a private owner, because they are not adopted out. They are forced to live the rest of their lives in a sanctuary. This is a shame, because there are a lot of responsible people out there who are able to care for these animals and give them that one on one care that they deserve. I must also add, that if more people were responsible with their domestic pets, we wouldn't have such a problem with so many living in shelters. With proper reasonable regulations and education, there is no need to ban such ownership. Most mistakes and accidents happen, because someone was not fully prepared on what they were getting into. For instance. In owning the much larger exotics, like Lions, Tigers and Cougars, you never enter into the cats enclosure without first making sure the cat is locked down in a secure area. The proper enclosure will have a lock down area for the cat, so the care taker can enter into the enclosure without risk of an injuriy. All enclosures must have a double door entry system, that we say, can pass the drop dead test. What we mean by this is. If you were to open the door to your cats enclosure and you would suddenly drop dead, can your cat get out? If the answer is yes, then you must correct the problem. A double door entry sytem does just that. You open the first door and close it behind you before opening the second door. In a more advanced system, the second door would not be able to be opened until the first door is closed. Your enclosue should also have a perimeter fence around it, that is at least 4 feet from the enclosure itself. This serves 2 purposes. First, so no unwanted guests can stick their hands inside the enclosure and second, if for some reason the cat would get out of the enclosure, the perimeter fence will keep the cat secure. These are just a few of the items you must know before owning a large exotic cat. As I have stated before, I wish I could let everyone feel what it is like to be "loved" by one of Gods great creatures. Living your life with an exotic cat is no easy task. It takes a great deal of responsibilty. You must accept these responsibilities for the health and welfare of the animal and for the protection of the public. You must NEVER think, I will just try this once, if it doesn't work out, I can send the cat to a sanctuary 
You must also have someone who can care for your cat, if you are no longer here in this world to care for it yourself. And you must never forget, that this is a wild animal and not a toy. Hmmmm, now I hope I am not rambling here. I just spent the day, outisde in the sun, at a fund raiser for our friends who have an exotic cat sanctuary (They are not against private ownership). It's called Hope for All Animals, Inc. Their moto is "Education To Prevent Relocation". But, now I am sun burned bad. It was in the low 90's. I am pretty tired from being in the sun all day, so I hope what I just said does make some sense 
